Chicago Talent Directory

05/19/2026

SAG-AFTRA’S AI DEAL SHOWS THAT HOLLYWOOD— FOR NOW— STILL VALUES HUMAN ACTORS

SAG-AFTRA's tentative contract with the studios closes some key loopholes in the guild's AI protections while leaving the door open for conversation.

05/16/2026

CHICAGO SEES PRODUCTION BOOM ON WAVE OF ILLINOIS INCENTIVES

Chicago Sees Production Boom on Wave of Illinois Incentives

05/08/2026

ACTOR’S EQUITY ASSOCIATION BEGINS ITS ‘OPEN ACCESS MEMBERSHIP POLICY’
Actors' Equity Association

04/28/2026

From the publisher of the Chicago Talent Directory®:
I was very sorry to learn of Matt DeCaro’s passing.
Matt was one of my original clients in the Chicago Talent Directory®—and he returned in every print edition over the years. This is his profile from those early years.
He was a really good client. I’ll miss him.
It’s been over 30 years, but I recognized his name immediately.
Sometimes I’m still struck by how accomplished my clients became.
I had been looking forward to welcoming him into the digital CTD community.
Rest well, Matt.
One last standing ovation for a remarkable career.
I’ll be sharing tributes to Matt from the Chicago theater community in the comments.

04/21/2026

SHIRLEY HAMILTON AGENCY CLOSES AFTER 64 YEARS

After 64 years as one of Chicago’s most respected and enduring talent agencies, Shirley Hamilton Talent will close its doors on May 1.

04/18/2026

NEW CHICAGO TALENT AGENCY SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

ATB Talent Agency is currently reviewing submissions from Chicago-based performers as it builds out its local roster.

04/05/2026

SHIRLEY HAMILTON TALENT AGENCY TO CLOSE.
Our industry loses an iconic entity and a remarkable era ends.

The Chicago Talent Directory extends its deepest gratitude to the Shirley Hamilton Talent Agency. You have been a cornerstone of the Chicago talent industry and were a valued and gracious collaborator during our print years. The agency has left an indelible mark on generations of talent, and that legacy will not be forgotten. Wishing Lynne and the entire team the absolute best as you close this extraordinary chapter.

To our dear Talent and Friends,

After sixty-four extraordinary years, we have made the very difficult decision to close our agency and bring this chapter to a close.

There is no easy way to say goodbye to something that has meant so much for so long to Lynne and me and Chicago. Shirley’s has been a place where so many dreams began, grew, and took flight. Each of you has been an important part of our story.

We have had the privilege of representing generations of remarkable talent, and we are deeply grateful for the trust you placed in us. Many of you have been part of our extended professional family, and it has been an honor to watch your careers grow and succeed. 

It is difficult to articulate what these years, and what all of you, have meant to us. The relationships we have built with you extend far beyond business, and we will carry them with us always.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives and your work. It has truly been an honor. Shirley is smiling down on us.

03/28/2026

NBC ANNOUNCES THE RENEWAL OF ‘CHICAGO FIRE’, ‘CHICAGO P.D.’ & ‘CHICAGO MED’

NBC has renewed Chicago Fire, Chicago Med and Chicago P.D., securing another full cycle of production in Chicago for the 2026–2027 season

03/25/2026

-- A few of the promos from ReelChicago's Women's History Month Reel Women - Chicago 2023
Nanci Ponne' - Actress & Founder of the Chicago Talent Directory®

01/24/2026

HBO MAX PILOT ‘AMERICAN BLUE’ BEGINS FILMING IN JOLIET & CHICAGO THIS APRIL

Will Chicago find its next television drama franchise in 2026? As always, it all begins with the pilot. A particularly promising candidate for a future